To the question: “What is a quota?” - you can not give a definite answer. This term was borrowed from the Latin language, and it means a part or share of something that falls on each. Therefore, we can say that the quota is the share of the participant in the common business (production, marketing, import or export), which is carried out by several manufacturers.
The definition of what is a quota has a narrower meaning. A quota is the maximum quantity of goods of one category that is allowed for import into the country from other states or export from it abroad. The establishment of such quotas is called quotas.
It is established at the state level. This is a measure of regulating the country's relations at the foreign economic level. With the help of quotas, restrictions are established on the import and export of goods in quantitative and cost terms for a certain time. Quotations can be applied to certain goods, services, vehicles, and even to producing countries. This measure is designed to control supply and demand in the domestic market, and is also used in the case of discriminatory actions of foreign trade partners.
But what is the quota for the domestic consumer, and what are its positive or negative aspects? Entrepreneurs who work in quota protected industries have higher profitability. At the same time, a domestic producer who feels pressure on its business from foreign competition has the right to demand the introduction of quotas from the state. But at the same time, in the conditions of free trade, our goods have a lower cost, and when quotas are applied, their price increases, which leads to a reduction in the area of consumer sales.
What is the quota in international trade and its types
- Global. It determines the total volume of imported goods, regardless of manufacturers and categories.
- Imported. It determines the restriction on the quantity of import of a certain category of products into the country to maintain the domestic market.
- Individual. It refers to one specific product for import into the country.
- Seasonal. It controls the import of vegetables and fruits during the harvest period of the domestic crop.
- Customs, which determines the size of the duty on the import of goods.
- Export. Sets export volumes for specific products.
But the word "quota" can be found not only in the vocabulary of an international economist. At present, when technology and the Internet have taken possession of all our time, both working and personal, we are increasingly mastering knowledge in this area. And among terms related to computer technology, one can also find mention of a quota, for example disk quotas. They make it possible to rationally use the disk space, preventing its misuse.
The concept of "quota" is also found in the medical vocabulary. Based on the Order of the Ministry of Health and Social Development No. 1248 (12/31/2010), every woman, according to the testimony of doctors, can expect to receive a quota for free in vitro fertilization. The decision of the provision of such benefits is made by the commission of the city health department, for example, in Moscow it is the Moscow health department. Quotas are issued on the basis of the patient’s request and the decision of a special commission.
